The lessons I learned from this particular Wharf to Wharf Race, often referred to as just the ‘Wharf to Wharf,’ are as varied as the humans I ran it with. Comprised of a bunch of fun wild ladies (and one gent, whom was referred to as ‘the Beekeeper’…lol, who had absolutely no control over us), we wore various ‘bee’ costumes to bring awareness to our dwindling bee population and the importance of keeping our winged friends alive and well.
Every single one of the ladies in this group has been to MINORSAN Self-Defense & Fitness. A wildly-fun crew of fitness enthusiasts, we fit together perfectly.
Am I sore?
Two days later, I’m still feeling the ‘run.’ I have to laugh at this, as many people do not truly ‘run.’ Many jog/walk and could care less what time they get to the finish line. (That’s the best part of this local Santa Cruz event.) Either way, six miles is six miles, and our bodies feel it. Yeah I was sore. Lesson learned: do practice runs leading up to race day.
I know it would be ‘smart’ to do many practice runs before this ‘race.’ I’ve ran it twice before this year. Each time, my muscles talk to me, mostly loudly, and my reaction is to ignore them. This particular lesson has now hit me three times. And I choose to say…’meh.’ No big deal. Muscles heal rather quickly. Mine will be good by tomorrow. Really, in the greater scheme of things, no biggie. (Throw this in with ‘first world whining.’)
Now I run once per year
Several decades ago, jogging was in my life almost daily. Now this is it—the Wharf to Wharf. lol. There are no ‘practice runs’ for it. I just get out there and jog it. Did I walk a bit? Yes, I walked as we were all attempting to stay together. Everyone in the group of ‘bees’ did just that. We stopped and danced at many of the bands along the way, the ‘runners’ circled back around to allow others who had stopped to take photos or video, to all stay together. Pure fun is all I can say.
These days, time is even more limited and I have to pick and choose my workouts. Running is a ‘back burner’ thing for me and random. Regardless, I love this little race called the Wharf to Wharf, from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk/Wharf to the Capitola Wharf in our little slice of paradise located in California. It’s one of my favorite local events.
What got me thinking about this race
Locals—so many locals participate in this this ‘race’ every year, and this year it sold out in 45 minutes! Pretty darn phenomenal—16,000 people! You’d think we were purchasing tickets to see the most beloved person on the planet. Even more impressive was that all abilities were out there participating in this event. It kind of blew me away that there were people in wheelchairs, those with walkers, canes, baby strollers, professional athetes, teens, children, costumed runners (like us) families, community groups, and so many local bands and performers!
More locals were on the sidelines supporting the runners/walkers/joggers with their cheers, water sprays, and words of support. The bands help make it so much more fun! Turns out, lots of MINORSAN members also participated in this race. We were randomly dispersed throughout in small groups. Most are not ‘runners’ either.
What stood out
What struck me the most this year, was that there were so many people who’s bodies didn’t run, and instead, chose to walk the entire time. Even though it was with effort, they still did it.
One ‘walker’ was in our very group. I also saw a gentleman who was ‘running’ his 44th Wharf to Wharf!!! Yes, he’s participated every single year of this event! This time he was walking, and had the aid of two people with him, and he was still doing it! What an inspiration. There were no excuses. He was proudly displaying a sign stating that this was his 44th run of this little race. It was simply amazing. Shows how powerful the human spirit can be when we want to achieve. Yeah, I was impressed.
What a great lesson from these people who have no excuses, are a bit less able than most of the others ‘running,’ and still get out there and do it. Great lesson to anyone who uses excuses for anything. At some time or other, we have all come up with excuses. Easy to do. Harder to do is to set excuses aside, thank those excuses for showing up, and then move on ahead, way past those excuses.
Why thank our excuses?
Because they allow us to acknowledge them, and then move on past them. When we pass up our excuses, we get so many more lessons, we get stronger in mind and spirit and we find more power within. And that is what we’re programmed to do. Find ways to accomplishment. Passing up our excuses is the first step to achieving.
This is by far one of the best local events ever. And I will continue to ‘run’ it every year (if I’m in town). I’ll probably continue to ignore the lesson my muscles give me every time. After all, I could use that as an excuse. Besides…I’m not THAT sore. Thanks to my other workouts. (Check the rest of my site for what we do
Everyone has choice, and we all choose what to do with what we have at hand. Here’s to happy choosing and learning lessons when you bust thru your excuses!
Sincerely,
Clara E Minor Master Trainer-Instructor MINORSAN Self-Defense & Fitness 831.600.5858 contact@minorsan.com 1060 River St #111, SC CA 95060
